Dec 9 2010
TelOne, provider of fiber-optic broadband services, announced that it has completed the deployment of fiber-optic cables in Zimbabwe to enhance internet connectivity. The company embarked on the fiber-optic project to link with the undersea cables in Mozambique.
The installation of the fiber-optic cables allows Zimbabwe to join other East and Southern African countries that have developed optical fiber cable networks. African countries that have deployed the fiber-optic cable networks include Uganda, Rwanda, Malawi and Zambia. The fiber-optic cable networks are cost-effective than satellite transmissions.
The Acting Managing Director of TelOne, Hampton Mhlanga informed that the project will be commissioned shortly. Mhlanga added that the project cost over US$7 million for the Zimbabwe government.
The undersea fiber-optic cable will allow quicker data transmission and faster telephone and internet connections via other multimedia centers. Zimbabwe currently utilizes the Mazowe-based satellite link for international connections. The satellite link has limited capacity and is quite expensive.
Kenya experienced a record 50% reduction in ICT service expenditures after switching over to fiber-optic cables from satellite transmission.